Our Beauty Blogger, Catherine McCurry, explores the significance behind Emma Watson’s inspiring UN speech…
A RECENT investigation revealed that less than a third of women hold the top posts in the North, from business, public life, health and education, women are poorly represented in these roles.
While a number of religious, political and sporting institutions have endeavoured to be more ‘women inclusive’, not one country can claim the gender equality title across all sections of its society and culture.
Recently, David Cameron promoted more women to Cabinet positions, the Church of England agreed to appoint women Bishops and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club voted last week to accept women members.
These are seen as attempts from those in influential positions to change outdated policies and rules.
Earlier this summer, British actress Emma Watson was named a U.N. Women Goodwill Ambassador.
The diligent Harry Potter actress gave a passionate and compelling speech on feminism and gender equality at the U.N. headquarters in New York last weekend to launch the HeForShe campaign.
The campaign aims to gather one billion men and boys as advocates to end the inequalities that women and girls still face in today’s society.
Following her 12 minute speech, the young star was commended for her words but, as expected, she faced a barrage of abuse on internet sites.
However, I believe that Watson’s motivating words echoes her belief that gender equality is achievable and is a human right which should be afforded to everyone, men and women.
She is one of the few celebrities who uses her status to draw attention to a positive campaign and for that, she must be applauded.
Gender inequality still exists in the North and it will undoubtedly take more than Emma Watson’s speech to change that, but it brings attention to the issue and gets people talking.
I recently spoke to a woman who works for an alpha male led industry and I really admired the way she deals with her job.
She told me how people are surprised to see her when they walk through the door and some treat her with scepticism because she’s a woman but this never deterred her. She was given this opportunity and is among the best in her job.
Miss Watson’s speech was humble and to the point. She wants men and boys to support the campaign and gender equality.
Here’s an extract of her speech:
“I decided I was a feminist and this seemed uncomplicated to me. But my recent research has shown me that feminism has become an unpopular word.
“Apparently I am among the ranks of women whose expressions are seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating, anti-men and, unattractive.
“Why is the word such an uncomfortable one? I am from Britain and think it is right that as a woman I am paid the same as my male counterparts.
“I think it is right that I should be able to make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decision-making of my country.
“I think it is right that socially I am afforded the same respect as men. But sadly I can say that there is no one country in the world where all women can expect to receive these rights.”